Are Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater quietly going strong? A backstage photo from Grande’s recent “Saturday Night Live” hosting gig is making fans believe so, despite months of speculation that their romance had fizzled.
What’s the Clue?
The key evidence comes from an Instagram post by Elizabeth Gillies, Grande’s co-star from “Victorious.” In a slideshow celebrating Grande’s SNL episode, Gillies shared a toast with Grande. While one photo showed her hand covering a person’s face, another shot clearly featured Ethan Slater, whom she tagged. Page Six confirmed Slater was present at the live show, a detail fans quickly celebrated as the “Ethan sneak.”
How Did Fans React?
The reaction in the comments was immediate and definitive. Fans took the sighting as clear proof the couple is still together, with comments like, “Ethan was there soooo cute,” and, “Oop well… I guess she still with that man.” “There’s no question about whether they’re still seeing each other,” another user said, demonstrating how one picture changed the story.
Why Were There Split Rumors?
Talk of a breakup gained traction earlier this year as the “Wicked” co-stars noticeably avoided public displays of affection during promotional events. The speculation grew when Slater skillfully dodged a direct question about Grande during a November “Today” show interview, choosing instead to praise the entire cast as a “family.”
What’s the Backstory of Their Romance?
The friendship between Grande and Slater started during a period of personal change. When they began filming “Wicked” in 2022, both were married to different people: Slater to Lilly Jay and Grande to Dalton Gomez. Their respective divorces were filed in mid-2023, with their romance becoming public knowledge soon after. The relationship has faced intense scrutiny from the start.
How Have They Handled the Scrutiny?
Grande has directly addressed the public criticism. She fired back with lyrics in her song “Yes, And?” and later told Vanity Fair it was “disappointing” to see people believe “the worst version” of their love story. This latest backstage appearance, seemingly casual and confirmed by a friend, acts as their latest, wordless rebuttal to the rumor mill.
Immediate FAQs
Q: Where was Ethan Slater spotted?
A: Elizabeth Gillies, their common acquaintance, shared backstage pictures of him from Ariana Grande’s December “Saturday Night Live” hosting episode.
Q: Does this confirm they are still together?
A: He appeared in backstage photos from Ariana Grande’s December “Saturday Night Live” hosting episode, shared by their mutual friend Elizabeth Gillies.
Q: Why did people think they broke up?
A: Their lack of recent public appearances together and Slater’s evasive responses regarding their relationship in interviews set off rumors.
Q: How did their relationship start?
A: They met on the set of “Wicked” in 2022 while both were married to other people. They filed for divorces from their respective spouses in 2023.
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